Using document analysis to revise competency frameworks: Perspectives from the revision of competency standards for dietitians

Abstract

Introduction/ObjectiveIn resource poor environments, low cost methods are needed to review competency standards to ensure they remain reflective of the current health workforce. This study aims to show how document analysis can be used to inform the revision of competency frameworks and standards.MethodsAltheide and Schneider's document analysis was modified to revise the National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia. This involved an eight-step process: (i) define the goal, (ii) identify documents for analysis, (iii) choose the analysis approach, (iv) engage with the documents and perform the analysis, (v) draft revisions, (vi) stakeholder engagement, (vii) final revisions, (viii) dissemination. Documents were sought through a combination of literature searches, review of document databases, and targeted document sourcing for documents relevant to contemporary dietetic practice. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data, with the thematic framework including four categories: (i) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, (ii) Consumer perspectives, (iii) Contemporary and future dietetic roles, and (iv) Contemporary wording and structure of competency. All included documents were indexed and charted which informed revisions to the standards.ResultsSixty-seven documents were reviewed. Four new competency standards were added to address the skills and attributes required of dietitians to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One competency standard was modified to include an individualized approach as this was deemed important by consumers but not previously included in the standards. The revised standards also place greater emphasis on dietitian's role in teaching and learning. In addition, there are now multiple standards that refer to advocacy, sustainability is referenced multiple times, a new standard specific to advanced care planning has been included, and their structure and wording was revised to ensure it was contemporary.ConclusionUsing document analysis to revise competency standards offers an efficient and low-cost method to update competency standards in a resource poor environment. This addresses a key issue with competency standards where unless revised frequently they can become rapidly out of date. Further research is needed to learn if document analysis can be used as a method to create rather than revise competency standards.

Allied Health Professions Accreditation Standards for Work Integrated Learning: A Document Analysis

“…A similar approach has been observed in the development of professional competency standards. For example, Allen and Palermo [84] describe a process of revising the wording of some of their dietetic competency standards to be consistent with other profession's competency standards.…”

“…As noted by others [81,85], there appears to be little guidance for those developing competency standards or frameworks [84], with Shaw and Tudor [84] suggesting that some regulatory authorities may lack the educational expertise and access to the evidence-base required to develop accreditation standards. In this context, frameworks that assist regulators in developing both their competency and accreditation standards are required.…”

Representing Contemporary Paramedic Practice in Canada: Development of the National Competency Framework for Paramedics

“…[25] Multiple professions have used this model to guide the development of competency frameworks, including occupational health, health research ethics, dietetics, intimate partner violence specialists, and mental health nursing. [26][27][28][29][30] The steps include [1] identifying purpose, intended uses, scope, and stakeholders; [2] theoretically informed ways of identifying the contexts of complex, "real-world" professional practice, which includes [3] aligned methods and means by which practice can be explored; [4] the identification and specification of competencies required for professional practice, [5] how to report the process and outputs of identifying such competencies, and [6] built-in strategies to continuously evaluate, update and maintain competency framework development processes and outputs. Next, we describe the people and groups involved in the development process, and then outline each step of the development process in detail.…”

A realist evaluation of a community of practice for dietitians and nutritionists working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

“…13 They play an important role in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, yet there evidence to suggest that dietitians need to be more equipped to be culturally safe and responsive. 14 The overwhelming majority of dietitians in Australia are non‐Aboriginal people, with only a total of 32 individual dietitians who self‐identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in 2020. 15 There is also lack of evidence of effective workforce development strategies for dietitians working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.…”